Marriage, is what brings us together, today!

This week's topic was marriage. On Monday we talked about the proposal, the wedding, and the traditions that go along with both.
Brother Williams asked whether or not the proposal mattered, and what specifically about it mattered. When I really got to thinking about this, for me it came down to the fact that the proposal is a pretty big indicator of the type of relationship the couple has, and will have. A proposal is, by definition, "A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion by others." The proposal is a proposed contract that the man is bringing forth to his significant other, for her careful consideration. In Mormon culture, it's very rare that a man proposes to a woman without her knowing it's coming, but the act of the proposal is still incredibly important. It signifies an eternal commitment that both parties are making.
The actual act of the proposal shouldn't be about how much money was spent, how many fireworks there were, or about how many people were present. The proposal is about the commitment being made. That said, the romantic side of me still believes that a man needs to put time and effort into planning something special (which doesn't mean it has to cost hundreds of dollars...). How he does it will say a lot about his level of commitment and care for you, as his future spouse.

Enough with the proposal. You're engaged. Now you're planning your wedding.

It was particularly interesting to talk about what a wedding should mean and what the most important parts are. Brother Williams gave us some history on how the first weddings were conducted. The wedding celebration was actually thrown by the community, not the bride and groom's families. It was important that the community was coming together to show their acceptance of the new family.
It's sad to think that we've gotten so far away from those ideals. Now, the family plans, pays, and entertains the guests. The emphasis of the wedding is placed on the reception, not on the actual ceremony.

Wouldn't it be so refreshing and nice to get back to the way things used to be, and the way things were meant to be? The temple, and the sealing between a man and wife for time and all eternity should be the emphasis of the wedding day, not whether or not the cake was the correct shade of pink.

And here ya go... I couldn't resist :)